I am a seasoned editor and newsroom leader with more than two decades of experience across Australia, the UK and the UAE. I have steered editorial production for print and digital publishing, built and mentored high-performing teams, and delivered engaging, reader-focused content under tight deadlines. My career spans founding hyperlocal magazines, leading major newsrooms, and refining copy editing, layout and front-page strategy to ensure every publication looks sharp and reads well. From entrepreneurial projects to large-scale editorial operations, I combine a sharp editorial eye with strong project management and a calm, collaborative leadership style. I’m committed to producing high-quality publications across platforms and to helping teams thrive in fast-paced environments while keeping the reader at the center of every decision.

James Schwier

I am a seasoned editor and newsroom leader with more than two decades of experience across Australia, the UK and the UAE. I have steered editorial production for print and digital publishing, built and mentored high-performing teams, and delivered engaging, reader-focused content under tight deadlines. My career spans founding hyperlocal magazines, leading major newsrooms, and refining copy editing, layout and front-page strategy to ensure every publication looks sharp and reads well. From entrepreneurial projects to large-scale editorial operations, I combine a sharp editorial eye with strong project management and a calm, collaborative leadership style. I’m committed to producing high-quality publications across platforms and to helping teams thrive in fast-paced environments while keeping the reader at the center of every decision.

Available to hire

I am a seasoned editor and newsroom leader with more than two decades of experience across Australia, the UK and the UAE. I have steered editorial production for print and digital publishing, built and mentored high-performing teams, and delivered engaging, reader-focused content under tight deadlines. My career spans founding hyperlocal magazines, leading major newsrooms, and refining copy editing, layout and front-page strategy to ensure every publication looks sharp and reads well.

From entrepreneurial projects to large-scale editorial operations, I combine a sharp editorial eye with strong project management and a calm, collaborative leadership style. I’m committed to producing high-quality publications across platforms and to helping teams thrive in fast-paced environments while keeping the reader at the center of every decision.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Writer & Editor at Various Clients
January 1, 2006 - Present
Founded and produced three high-end hyperlocal magazines (2062, MOSS, The Bay) distributed in Sydney. Freelanced as a sub-editor and writer on various publications covering travel, sport, and lifestyle content. Provided copywriting services for businesses across diverse industries.
Assistant Editor / Weekend Editor at The West Australian
July 1, 2025 - October 27, 2025
Led editorial planning and execution for both The West Australian and The Sunday Times, as well as The Nightly, a national digital publication. Directed newsroom operations, mentored staff, edited editions, and crafted high-impact front pages under tight daily deadlines. Provided editorial guidance to reporters as well as top-quality copy rewrites and layout expertise. Oversaw special projects and publications from concept through to final print. Curated homepages, created content, monitored social media and wires to ensure coverage of the stories that mattered most.
Assistant Editor at The Daily Telegraph
October 1, 2019 - October 27, 2025
Set the daily editorial agenda; rewrote and edited key stories; guided reporters. Laid out news and feature pages and wrote compelling headlines.
Chief Sub-editor at Pagemasters (News Corp)
November 1, 2014 - October 27, 2025
Managed a team of 15 across 30 community papers weekly. Set up workflows, trained interstate teams, and ensured all deadlines were met.
Sub-editor at Pagemasters (The Sydney Morning Herald & The Sun-Herald)
September 1, 2012 - October 27, 2025
Edited news, business, arts, entertainment, and sports pages. Ensured editorial quality, accuracy, and adherence to in-house style.
Sub-editor at Pagemasters (The Telegraph) – Sydney, Australia & London, UK
April 1, 2011 - October 27, 2025
Edited and final-proved weekend features for The Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph. Went to London to train and transition new editorial team.
News Editor at 7DAYS – Catchpole Communications
October 1, 2008 - October 27, 2025
Managed daily news operations and world news layout (8–10 pages daily). Directed reporters and ensured engaging, clear copy under pressure.
Assistant News Editor / World Editor at Emirates Today
January 1, 2007 - October 27, 2025
Oversaw team of 10 reporters; rewrote stories and directed world news coverage on the daily newspaper.
Assistant Chief Sub-editor at Emirates Today
July 1, 2006 - October 27, 2025
Helped launch publication; trained staff, set editorial workflows, and oversaw final pages.
Senior Sub-editor / Production Editor at Legal Week Global Media
July 1, 2005 - October 27, 2025
Managed layout, subbing and production for two monthly magazines. Served as Senior Sub-editor for Legal Week, ensuring consistency and accuracy across editions.

Education

NVQ in Journalism at Journalism Training Centre
January 1, 2000 - October 27, 2025
BA (Hons) in Media Studies at University of Sunderland
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1999

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education